Continuous manifold assembly

ABSTRACT

Intermediate carbon transfer sheets are interleaved between record sheets, and a series of longitudinally spaced transverse cuts separate the uncoated margin of each intermediate sheet into marginal sections which are alternately secured by glue to the corresponding margins of the two adjacent record sheets. Another series of more closely spaced stress relieving diagonal slits are located inwardly of the first series of transverse cuts and define flexible parallel links which connect each marginal section to the remaining portion of the intermediate sheet. Each sheet can thereby shift slightly longitudinally relative to each adjacent sheet when the sheets are zig-zag folded at longitudinally spaced lines of cross perforations. In another embodiment, the margin of the intermediate sheet has another series of longitudinally spaced stress relieving diagonal slits which are located outwardly of the series of transverse cuts and define parallel flexible links which cooperate with the first series of links to permit longitudinal relative shifting of the sheets.

United States Patent [191 Skees 5] Apr. 23, 1974 CONTINUOUS MANIFOLD ASSEMBLY Hugh B. Skees, Dayton, Ohio [73] Assignee: The Standard Register Company,

Dayton, Ohio [22] Filed: June 25, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 373,155

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation of Ser. No. 152,913, June 14, 1971,

[75] Inventor:

abandoned.

[52] US. Cl 282/ll.5 A [51] Int. Cl B411 1/26 [58] Field of Search 282/1l.5 R, 11.5 A, 19 R, 282/22 R, 12 R, 12 A; 281/281 R [56] References Cited FOREIGN PATENTS O R APPLICATIONS Germany 282/22 R Primary Examiner-Jerome Schnall Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Jacox & Meckstroth [57] ABSTRACT Intermediate carbon transfer sheets are interleaved between record sheets, and a series of longitudinally spaced transverse cuts separate the uncoated margin of each intermediate sheet into marginal sections which are alternately secured by glue to the corresponding margins of the two adjacent record sheets. Another series of more closely spaced stress relieving diagonal slits are located inwardly of the first series of transverse cuts and define flexible parallel links which connect each marginal section to the remaining portion of the intermediate sheet. Each sheet can thereby shift slightly longitudinally relative to each adjacent sheet when the sheets are zig-zag folded at longitudinally spaced lines of cross perforations. In another embodiment, the margin of the intermediate sheet has another series of longitudinally spaced stress relieving diagonal slits which are located outwardly of the series of transverse cuts and define parallel flexible links which cooperate withthe first series of links to permit longitudinal relative shifting of the sheets.

5 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures CONTINUOUS MANIFOLD ASSEMBLY RELATED APPLICATION This application is a continuation of US. Pat. application Ser. No. 152,913, filed June l4, 1971, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the art of manufacturing multiple part or copy business forms, a plurality of paper record and carbon transfer webs or sheets are collated or assembled into a continuous form manifold wherein the overlying sheets are arranged in precise registration. Many methods have been proposed or used for fastening the record and carbon transfer sheets together. For example, continuous glue lines or longitudinally spaced glue spots have been used for joining corresponding margins of the record sheets to each other or to the clean or uncoated margins of the carbon transfer sheets which are interleaved between the record sheets.

A common well known problem is presented when the glued together form sheets are zig-zag folded along the longitudinally spaced lines of cross perforations before the glue sets or dries. That is, slight longitudinal shifting of the sheets occurs when the sheets are folded as a result of the combined thickness of the sheets. When the glue lines or spots dry after the form sheets are folded, the sheets remain out of registry, and the outer sheets tend to peak or tent at the fold lines when the forms are subsequently unfolded for feeding over a data processing or other business machine. Frequently, the tents cause jamming of the business machine.

There have been several form fastening methods which have been used or proposed to provide limited flexibility or longitudinal shifting of the assembled webs or sheets so that the precise registration is not permanently lost when the sheets are zig-zag folded. For example, US. Pat. Nos. 2,300,255 and No. 2,907,585 each show means for fastening the multiple plies or sheets and which provide for relieving the stresses within the sheets when they are zig-zag folded. Another form fastening means which provides flexibility is disclosed in U. S. Pat. No. 3,495,852 which issued to the assignee of this invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a continuous business form manifold assembly which incorporates improved means for providing stress-relief fastening of the overlapping sheets forming the multiple plies or parts of the manifold assembly. More specifically, the present invention provides a form assembly wherein all of the record and transfer webs are attached or fastened by an improved resilient flexible means whereby each sheet is free to move slightly longitudinally relative to each adjacent sheet. Thus when the assembled sheets are zig-zag folded, there is no significant stress build-up in the sheets at the fold lines, and when the forms are unfolded, the sheets will return to their original assembled positions of precise registration. In addition, the form fastening means of the invention is simple and economical to produce on a high speed collating machine and permits the sheets to be folded immediately after the sheets are assembled and before the glue dries.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a series of longitudinally spaced perforations in the form of lateral cuts are formed in a clean edge portion of each intermediate carbon transfer sheet. These cuts form longitudinally dispersed tab-like marginal portions or sections which are alternately glued to the record sheets on opposite sides of the transfer sheet. A second series of longitudinally spaced perforations in the form of more closely spaced diagonal slits are also formed within the margin of each intermediate transfer sheet. The latter slits are intersected by the adjacent cuts of the first series so that each marginal section is attached by a plurality of thin parallel flexible links defined between the slits. The links provide for parallelogram-like movement of each record sheet in a longitudinal direction relative to the adjacent transfer sheet.

be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the amended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of several record and transfer webs or sheets which are fastened together in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary plan view of a manifold assembly and with the top record sheet broken away to show the fastening means of the invention;

FIG. 3'is an enlarged fragmentary section taken generally along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 3, but with the sheets shown in expanded spaced relation;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of a marginal portion of the form assembly shown in'FIGS. 3 and 4, drawn on a smaller scale;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary section taken generally on the line 66 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 2 and showing a modification of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view similar to FIGS. 2 and 7, and showing another embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 9 is a section view similar to FIG. 6 and taken generally on the line 99 of FIG. 8.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT .clude a series of longitudinally spaced feed holes 21 which are used for feeding the sheets through a machine which collates the sheets and over a data processing or other business machine where the manifold assembly is subsequently used.

' Each of the carbon transfer sheets 18 includes a clean or uncoated edge or marginal portion 24 having a series of longitudinally spaced laterally extending perforations or cuts 26 which define a corresponding series of tab-like marginal portions or sections 28. A series of parallel spaced diagonal perforations or slits 29 are arranged in a row extending longitudinally adjacent the cuts 26, and the spacing between the slits 29 is substantially less than the spacing between the cuts 26 so that the slits 29 define narrow parallel links 30 which attach each marginal section 28 to the remaining portion of the transfer sheet 18. In addition, each of the cuts 26 intersects or connects with one of the adjacent diagonal slits 29. Thus, each of the cuts 26 may be considered as extending into one of the slits 29, with the other slits positioned therebetween. Each of the margin sections 28 is free to shift longitudinally slightly relative to the remaining portion of the sheet by flexing of the links 30. As used herein, the term perforation includes all forms of slits, cuts, slashes, holes slots and the like.

I overlying record web, and the glue lines 32 secure the other set of alternate marginal sections 28 of the transfer sheet 18 to the adjacent margin of the record sheet underlying the transfer sheet.

As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, the lateral perforations or cuts 26 which define the marginal section 28, extend from the adjacent slits 29 to the edge of the transfer sheet 18. Thus perforations or cuts 26 cooperate with the more closely spaced perforations or slits 29 to provide for slight longitudinal movement or shifting of the record sheets -17 relative to each other and to the interleaved transfer sheets 18. That is, narrow links 30 defined between the slits 29, flex or fold in a parallelogram-like manner to permit relative shifting of the record webs when they are zig-zag folded and thereby prevent a build-up of stresses in the record webs at the fold lines. The folded or flexed links 30 are also somewhat resilient so that the record sheets tend to return to their original registered relation when the folded manifold assembly is unfolded.

Referring to FIG. 7 which shows a modification of.

the embodiments of FIGS. 1-6, the alternate glue lines 31 and 32 (FIGS. 1-4) are replaced by a series of longitudinally spaced glue spots 36 and 38 which alternately connect the marginal sections 28 of each transfer sheet 18 to the margins of the record sheets on opposite sides of the transfer sheet. The glue spots 36 and 38 provide for not only using less glue than required by the glue lines, but also for spacing the glue spots longitudinally on the marginal sections 28 to avoid any significant build-up of overlying glue spots in a manifold assembly having a number of record sheets.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the clean or uncoated edge marginal portion 24' of each carbon transfer sheet 18', includes a series of longitudinally spaced lateral perforations or cuts 26 which are located inwardly from the adjacent edge of the transfer sheet and define a corresponding series of marginal sections 28'.' A first series of longitudinally spaced diagonal perforations or slits 29 are located inwardly of the longitudinal extending row of perforations or cuts 26, and another series of longitudinally spaced diagonal perforations or slits 39 are arranged in a longitudinal row located outwardly of the row of lateral cuts 26'.

The series of longitudinally disposed marginal sections 28 are alternately secured or fastened to the margins of the adjacent record sheets by the alternate longitudinally extending glue lines 31 and 32. As mentioned above in connection with FIG. 7, the glue lines 31 and 32 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, may be replaced by the alternating glue spots 36 and 38 without departing from the scope of the invention. The lateral perforations or cuts 26' connect with the adjacent perforations or slits 29 and 39 so that the parallel links 40 defined between the slits 39, cooperate with the links 30' to provide for slight longitudinal shifting of the record webs15-l7 in the same manner as mentioned above in connection with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6.

Preferably, the slits 39 are arranged at right angles or normal to the slits 29 and cooperate with the cuts 26 to minimize lateral shifting of the record webs when the manifold assembly is zig-zag folded. The links 30' and 40 defined between the slits 29' and 39, function in the same manner as the links 30 defined between the slits 29. That is, the links 30' and 40 flex or fold to permit permit each marginal portion or section of each carbon transfer sheet, to flex or shift longitudinally relative to the remaining portion of the transfer sheet. In addition, the alternate connections of the marginal sections 28 or 28 to the re'cord sheets on the opposite sides of the transfer sheet provide for relative longitudinal shifting of the record webs. As a result, the continuous manifold may be zig-zag folded for storage and then subsequently unfolded for use without losing the precise registration of the record sheets and without producing tents in the outer record sheets at the fold lines.

While the forms of manifold assemblies herein described, constitute preferred embodiments of the invention, and it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise forms of manifold assemblies, and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A continuous manifold assembly comprising a series of continuous flexible sheets arranged in superposed relation-and including at least one intermediate sheet between upper and lower sheets, saidv intermediate sheet having a marginal portion including a first series of longitudinally spaced and laterally extending slits defining a longitudinal series of marginal sections between said slits, a second series of longitudinally spaced and diagonally extending stress relieving slits disposed laterally inwardly of said first series of slits, the spacing between longitudinally adjacent slits of said second series being substantially closer than the spacing between longitudinally adjacent slits of said first series to define a plurality of diagonally extending narrow links connecting each of said marginal sections to the remaining portion of said intermediate sheet, said narrow links being effective to provide for limited longitudinal shifting of each of said marginal sections relative to the remaining portion of said intermediate sheet, each slit of said first series of slits being connected with an adjacent slit of said second series, and adhesive means disposed laterally outwardly of said second series of slits securing said longitudinally disposed marginal sections to said upper and lower sheets, a first plurality of said marginal sections being adhered to only said upper sheet and a second plurality of said marginal sections which alternate with said first plurality being adhered only to said lower sheet.

2. A continuous manifold assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said first series of slits extend to a edge of said intermediate sheet.

3. A continuous manifold assembly as defined in claim 1 including a third series of longitudinally spaced and diagonally extending slits located laterally outwardly of said first series of slits and the spacing between said slits of said third series being substantially the same as the spacing between said slits of said second series to define corresponding diagonally extending narrow links therebetween.

4. A continuous manifold assembly as defined in claim 3 wherein said third series of slits are disposed generally perpendicular to said second series of slits.

5. A continuous manifold assembly comprising a series of continuous flexible sheets arranged in superposed relation and including at least one intermediate sheet between upper and lower sheets, said intermediate sheet having a marginal portion including a first series of longitudinally spaced and laterally extending slits defining a longitudinal series of marginal sections between said slits, a second series of longitudinally spaced and diagonally extending stress relieving slits disposed laterally inwardly of said first series of slits, a third series of longitudinally spaced and diagonally extending slits disposed laterally outwardly of said first series of slits, said third series of slits being arranged generally perpendicular to said second series of slits, the spacing between longitudinally adjacent slits of said second and third series being substantially closer than the spacing between longitudinally adjacent slits of said first series to define a plurality of diagonally extending narrow links connecting each of said marginal sections to the remaining portion of said intermediate'sheet, said narrow links being effective to provide for limited longitudinal shifting of each of said marginal sections relative to the remaining portion of said intermediate sheet, each slit of said first series of slits being connected with an adjacent slit of said second series, and adhesive means disposed between said second and third series of slits securing said longitudinally disposed marginal sections to said upper and lower sheets, a first plurality of said marginal sections being adhered to only said upper sheet and a second plurality of said marginal sections which alternate with said first plurality being adhered only to said lower sheet. 

1. A continuous manifold assembly comprising a series of continuous flexible sheets arranged in superposed relation and including at least one intermediate sheet between upper and lower sheets, said intermediate sheet having a marginal portion including a first series of longitudinally spaced and laterally extending slits defining a longitudinal series of marginal sections between said slits, a second series of longitudinally spaced and diagonally extending stress relieving slits disposed laterally inwardly of said first series of slits, the spacing between longitudinally adjacent slits of said second series being substantially closer than the spacing between longitudinally adjacent slits of said first series to define a plurality of diagonally extending narrow links connecting each of said marginal sections to the remaining portion of said intermediate sheet, said narrow links being effective to provide for limited longitudinal shifting of each of said marginal sections relative to the remaining portion of said intermediate sheet, each slit of said first series of slits being connected with an adjacent slit of said second series, and adhesive means disposed laterally outwardly of said second series of slits securing said longitudinally disposed marginal sections to said upper and lower sheets, a first plurality of said marginal sections being adhered to only said upper sheet and a second plurality of said marginal sections which alternate with said first plurality being adhered only to said lower sheet.
 2. A continuous manifold assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said first series of slits extend to an edge of said intermediate sheet.
 3. A continuous manifold assembly as defined in claim 1 including a third series of longitudinally spaced and diagonally extending slits located laterally outwardly of said first series of slits and the spacing between said slits of said third series being substantially the same as the spacing between said slits of said second series to define corresponding diagonally extending narrow links therebetween.
 4. A continuous manifold assembly as defined in claim 3 wherein said third series of slits are disposed generally perpendicular to said second series of slits.
 5. A continuous manifold assembly comprising a series of continuous flexible sheets arranged in superposed relation and including at least one intermediate sheet between upper and lower sheets, said intermediate sheet having a marginal portion including a first series of longitudinally spaced and laterally extending slits defining a longitudinal series of marginal sections between said slits, a second series of longitudinally spaced and diagonally extending stress relieving slits disposed laterally inwardly of said first series of slits, a third series of longitudinally spaced and diagonally extending slits disposed laterally outwardly of said first series of slits, said third series of slits being arranged generally perpendicular to said second series of slits, the spacing between longitudinally adjacent slits of said second and third series being substantially closer than the spacing between longitudinally adjacent slits of said first series to define a plurality of diagonally extending narrow links connecting each of said marginal sections to the remaining portion of said intermediate sheet, said narrow links being effective to provide for limited longitudinal shifting of each of said marginal sections relative to the remaining portion of said intermediate sheet, each slit of said first series of slits being connected with an adjacent slit of said second series, and adhesive means disposed between said second and third series of slits securing said longitudinally disposed marginal sections to said upper and lower sheets, a first plurality of said marginal sections being adhered to only said upper sheet and a second plurality of said marginal sections which alternate with said first plurality being adhered only to said lower sheet. 